Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Tom Lauwers is a robotics researcher and educator whose work sits at the intersection of mobile robotics, computer science education, and broadening participation in STEM. His most recognized contribution is the development of a dynamically stable single-wheeled mobile robot featuring an innovative inverse mouse-ball drive mechanism, a landmark 2006 paper that has accumulated over 260 citations and addressed fundamental limitations in human-scale robot mobility. Beyond hardware innovation, Lauwers has made substantial strides in educational robotics, most notably through the design of the Finch robot — a platform deliberately engineered to align with introductory computer science concepts — and the CSbots program, which leveraged robotics to improve student learning and retention in CS1 courses. His commitment to equity in computer science is evident through Robot Diaries, a workshop series engaging secondary school girls in social and technical robotics exploration, helping broaden participation in the CS pipeline. Lauwers also contributed to collaborative outreach strategies and technology literacy frameworks through the TeRK Project. With a body of work spanning foundational robotics engineering and inclusive CS pedagogy, his research has meaningfully shaped how robots are used as both machines and teaching tools.